Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 6: Division Bench of High Court comprising Chief Justice M M Kumar and Justice Hasnain Massodi today directed that no construction activity in the Municipal area of Katra including the area around Railway Station by all and sundry should be allowed till further orders.
This direction was passed by the Division Bench in a Public Interest Litigation seeking check on illegal construction activities in the holy town of Katra.
After hearing Advocate Ajay Sharma appearing for the PIL whereas AAG Seema Shekhar for the State, DB observed, “on July 30, 2013 directions were issued to Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioner Reasi to personally visit the spot and verify the facts regarding unauthorized constructions carried out in and around Railway Station Katra. However, the directions have not been complied with and an application has been filed with a prayer for grant of extension in time by two weeks”.
“The matter concerning illegal construction in violation of Master Plan is pending consideration of CEO since 2011 as is evident from the facts that the Deputy Commissioner Reasi in his communications has been informing the CEO Katra Development Authority with regard to illegal construction which is being carried out in the area around railway road”, the DB said, adding “even thereafter illegal constructions have been going on unabated. Even the direction issued by this Court on July 30, 2013 was not adhered to”.
“In the application seeking extension of time, it has been mentioned that the Divisional Commissioner and other officers could not undertake visit to the area due to curfew and situation in Kishtwar. However, it appears that those events have no effect on the construction activities which are alleged to have been carried out during night time and holidays”.
With these observations, the DB directed IGP Jammu, SSP Reasi, SP Katra and Deputy Commissioner of the area to ensure compliance of the order. “If any, information regarding violation of this order is received then the officers will be responsible”, the DB added.
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